US Military Plane Crashes in Iraq – Six Dead
Tragedy Strikes KC-135 Refuelling Aircraft
Six American service members have died after a US military KC-135 tanker crashed in Iraq during Operation Epic Fury, the US Central Command confirmed. The other KC-135 on the mission landed safely.
The victims’ identities remain secret as families are being informed. Central Command stressed that hostile fire played no part in the crash. “The circumstances of the incident are under investigation,” the statement said.
Militant Group Claims Downing the Plane – US Denies
The Islamic Resistance in Iraq quickly claimed responsibility, boasting they shot down the plane “in defence of our country’s sovereignty and airspace.” The US military disputes this, maintaining the crash was due to other causes and denies enemy involvement.
Part of a Growing Toll in Iran Conflict
- This marks the fourth confirmed US aircraft loss linked to anti-Iran operations.
- Last week, friendly fire from Kuwaiti forces mistakenly downed three US fighter jets; fortunately, all six crew safely ejected.
- So far, seven US troops have died, with about 140 wounded in the Iran conflict, including eight seriously, Pentagon stats reveal.
- Earlier, six Army Reserve members died when an Iranian drone struck a Kuwait logistics centre.
President Donald Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warn more American lives may be lost before the conflict ends.
Middle East Tensions Continue to Escalate
The US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28. Iran has since retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israel and Gulf Arab states hosting US troops.
The seventh American fatality died from wounds received during a March 1 Iranian attack on Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base.
At Dover Air Force Base, Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other officials attended a solemn transfer ceremony honouring the fallen service members.
